Does anyone have some picks for whiskeys that get overlooked due to their low price or bottom shelf status? Or maybe some top shelf ones that are pushed out or overshadowed by bigger names (Beam Small Batch Behemoth dominates the top shelf at the stores I shop at)?

I have a few bottom & middle shelfers that I swear by:

Elijah Craig 12yr -- although I've had two disappointingly funky bottles recently, I think this bourbon tastes gorgeous -- smooth and silky without being sticky sweet. To me it tastes woody but mellow (not like it's 18yr grandaddy that tastes almost like a scotch) and has some nuances that I still can't really place. ($16.99 in ME)

George Dickel No. 12 -- I love this (I know it's from Tennessee, but I don't care)....it's the best deal out there, I think. This is so sweet and maple-ly with hints of cocoa and a little char -- the 90 proof really makes it bold, though. It's light-bodied but has a reasonable complex flavor and is, oh-so-drinkable. ($13.99 in ME)

WL Weller SR 7yr -- I tried this for the first time yesterday, so I still don't know for sure, but after my first tasting session I really like this. It honestly reminds of the Dickel but without the sweet -- very little rye taste (which is too bad, but distinctive), short finish. Again, at 90 proof this is robust enough. ($12.99 in ME)

Old Overholt (everyone groans!) -- I don't know why, but I like this a lot just neat. Certainly nothing special, but rye whiskey is so enjoyable and I get all wrapped up in the cool label and the story of the company and it's reputation -- An American classic. ($10.99 in NH)

So, definitely nothing too unusual as I'm kind of new to this, but I'd like to hear what other people think -- get some tips for what is an underappreciated gem.

kickert

11-01-2008, 13:09

Elijah Craig 12yr -- ($16.99 in ME)

You have a great price on EC12. Here in KY we have watched it move from 18 to 20 to 22 and now it is around 24 most places.

funknik

11-01-2008, 13:56

You have a great price on EC12. Here in KY we have watched it move from 18 to 20 to 22 and now it is around 24 most places.

Wow! That's pricey...it's literally one shelf up from the bottom at the store -- next to Old Grandad.

OscarV

11-01-2008, 15:14

WL Weller SR 7yr -- I tried this for the first time yesterday, so I still don't know for sure, but after my first tasting session I really like this. It honestly reminds of the Dickel but without the sweet -- very little rye taste (which is too bad, but distinctive), short finish. Again, at 90 proof this is robust enough. ($12.99 in ME)

Put the Weller's aside for now.
Do the ryed bourbons for a while.
If you stumble on any Louisville Wellers buy them but hold them.
Like I said, do the ryed bourbons for a while first.

BTW, $12.99 is a kick-ass price.

funknik

11-01-2008, 15:30

Put the Weller's aside for now.
Do the ryed bourbons for a while.
If you stumble on any Louisville Wellers buy them but hold them.
Like I said, do the ryed bourbons for a while first.

BTW, $12.99 is a kick-ass price.

Glad to know I'm getting a good deal. Why set aside the Weller? I do like the ryed bourbons, though -- and, of course, I like the rye whiskey. I just tried Basil Hayden for the first time this week and I liked it pretty well although I would like higher proof -- I thought it had a nice rye finish. It's a little pricey around here ($34.99), but across the border in NH I've seen it for $24.99 (cheaper than Knob Creek)! Another one I'm loving lately is Sam Houston 10yr which I think is very peppery and has a long rye finish with legs. Do you have any other suggestions?

OscarV

11-01-2008, 15:43

No, no suggestions right now, but since you asked get a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed and give it some time.

funknik

11-01-2008, 15:47

No, no suggestions right now, but since you asked get a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed and give it some time.

Got one in my freezer right now -- bought it for my 30th birthday this summer....and it's almost gone. Hmmm, that IS good advice, I'll need another bottle.:)

OscarV

11-01-2008, 15:50

OK, two more, Four Roses Single Barrel and Old Rip Van Winkle 10yo 107prf and to hell with what I said about leaving the wheaters alone for awhile.

ACDetroit

11-01-2008, 15:50

What's the difference in this thread and the under rated Thread?

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10938

Tony

OscarV

11-01-2008, 15:53

What's the difference in this thread and the under rated Thread?

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10938

Tony

Oh man oh man, leave it up to those East Siders to stir something up!!!

funknik

11-01-2008, 15:58

What's the difference in this thread and the under rated Thread?

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10938

Tony

Oh! No difference, I guess, I'm just new and I didn't know there was already a thread going.

Thanks!

funknik

11-01-2008, 16:03

OK, two more, Four Roses Single Barrel and Old Rip Van Winkle 10yo 107prf and to hell with what I said about leaving the wheaters alone for awhile.

I've never even seen these. Maine sucks.:(

ACDetroit

11-01-2008, 17:38

Another one I'm loving lately is Sam Houston 10yr which I think is very peppery and has a long rye finish with legs. Do you have any other suggestions?

Funknik, if you still see Sam Houston with the 10yr old Age statement on it, pick it up! It has been changed to very small batch or something but the age statement is gone. That's one thing I've learned if you find something you like get it while can, it could be gone tomorrow.

It is a real tragedy if Buffalo Trace is under appreciated. Perhaps, I've just never had a real musty bottle. I have always said it has a singularity that I admire, perhaps what I like in it others may see as "earthen" but I would never give it the description of musty or tasting of dirt. That is a harsh negative way to describe what I find pleasant.

Attila

11-01-2008, 23:52

Wild Turkey Straight Rye

Funny that you would list this as this bottle has been on my To Buy List longer than any other bottle.

craigthom

11-02-2008, 16:18

If you like the Weller SR try the Antique. It's 107 proof.

Have you tried Old Grand-Dad? Try the BIB or 114. They are cheaper than the Basil Hayden. They may be younger (I don't know), but they have less water in them.

Dramiel McHinson

11-02-2008, 17:18

It is a real tragedy if Buffalo Trace is under appreciated. Perhaps, I've just never had a real musty bottle. I have always said it has a singularity that I admire, perhaps what I like in it others may see as "earthen" but I would never give it the description of musty or tasting of dirt. That is a harsh negative way to describe what I find pleasant.

I agree. BT is reasonably priced and has a taste that I really appreciate. In my area of the woods it is almost unknown because of the difficulty getting it through the state Liquor board. I've never had a bourbon drinker say they wouldn't go back to it after they tried it. The musty bottle syndrome has found its way into a lot of BT products. Cork taint has seemed to get more common recently. I've had to pour out everal bottles of wine and I've had several corked bourbons show up.

I won't give up though....

Dramiel McHinson

11-02-2008, 17:23

Funny that you would list this as this bottle has been on my To Buy List longer than any other bottle.

I think people that know their whiskey and like a good rye will like the WT Straight Rye. I have only seen one bottle in three years and I bought that bottle. I'm hoarding the last few ounces. I put it on my suggestion list because I think it would be a bad idea to leave it on a shelf in some liqour store when it should be in anyone's collection that can appreciate WT and Rye whiskey.

Hope you find that bottle!

BourbonJoe

11-02-2008, 20:50

Get ye up to Kentucky. We found almost all places had the WT Rye. Grabbed ourselves a couple movin thru. Good whiskey.
Joe :usflag: